Armed Smugglers Attack Customs Officers in Ogun, Two Critically Injured

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko, has confirmed an attack on its personnel by suspected armed smugglers in the Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The command’s spokesperson, Mr Zakaria Chado, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday in Idiroko. According to him, the attack occurred on Thursday at about 4:00 pm when officers, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a 12-tyre truck suspected to be conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs and other prohibited items.

Chado explained that before reinforcement teams could arrive at the scene, the suspects mobilised a large number of armed hoodlums who launched a coordinated and violent attack on the Customs patrol team. He said the attackers deliberately mounted heavy barricades at about nine strategic points to block access routes, effectively preventing timely reinforcement.

During the assault, the smugglers reportedly opened fire on the officers and disabled a Customs patrol vehicle by shooting at its tyres, creating what the command described as a volatile and extremely dangerous operational environment. In the exchange, two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service sustained gunshot injuries and are currently in critical condition while receiving intensive medical care.

Exploiting the multiple barricades and the ensuing chaos, the suspects fled the scene with the intercepted truck. Chado disclosed that investigations have commenced to identify, track and apprehend all individuals involved in the attack.

Reacting to the incident, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable. He reaffirmed that such violent resistance would not deter the command or the Nigeria Customs Service from carrying out its mandate of combating smuggling and safeguarding national security.

Afeni called on traditional rulers and community leaders within the command’s area of responsibility to caution their subjects against smuggling and attacks on security personnel, warning that offenders would face the full weight of the law. He assured law-abiding residents of their safety and reiterated the NCS’s commitment to border security, public health and enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.